“It’s been so rewarding to develop something exciting and new with our design team for ‘Frankenstein.’ Our sound designer Tom Randolph and I have worked together to create some really special sounds and transitions, lots of influence from gothic and dance/electronic music,” Brandon S. Bierlein, director of the production, said. “You might even dance in your seat a bit. Tony Serra, our lighting designer, has been able to work with four intelligent lighting systems which are absolutely superb to see in action.”

“What I love about ‘Frankenstein’ is that there is nothing compared to the excitement and action,” Jasin said. “This is very different, I’ve only ever really been in comedies. This is dark and gritty, kind of like ‘Batman.’”

Jasin has appeared in MCFTA’s “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Comedy of Errors.”

For a time, her character Elizabeth is unaware of what Victor is up to.

“They aren’t married yet and the whole time she’s so focused on the future and marriage… she is unaware of why Victor is acting so strange and so secretive,” Jasin said. “Eventually she calls on his friend, Henry, to try to get Victor to open up to him… He helps Victor create the monster, and that doesn’t go so well.”

“He’s a very misunderstood being, which leads him to many unfortunate events in the future,” Lingaur said. “From playing this role, I have thought a lot about what it means to be human, and about life after death and the soul.”

Lingaur appeared in Clare High School’s production of “Seussical the Musical,” as part of the Wickersham Brothers.

Audiences can expect to “see a lot of what you don’t expect,” he said.

“Frankenstein” presents several thought-provoking elements.

“For me, this play is about the Creature’s experience. There is no monster in this story. ‘Frankenstein’ is about being different, and why that’s special and good,” Bierlein said. “It is also about how fear leads into violence and hatred. The show is a reflection of Mary Shelley’s classic, but the core themes ring true today.”

“She is a maidservant for the Frankenstein family,” Massey said. “The play is based on the book, and the book is written by a woman ahead of her time, and that’s cool… it’s really epic.”

Massey enjoys acting, and her role as Justine.

“I get to step out of myself and step into another person,” she said. “I get to become another person for a moment, and then not have that moment anymore and reflect on it.”

Bierlein’s cast has proven to be all-in when it comes to “Frankenstein.”

“I think the cast is absolutely loving the music and all the design elements, as we’re currently in the middle of tech. The cast ranges in age from 13-20. I think they’re enjoying being a part of a show that isn’t ‘just a kids’ show.’ There is no fluff,” he said. “The cast has been challenged to up their game as actors and volunteers, and wow, have they delivered.”

Bierlein earned a bachelor of arts in theater from Western Michigan University. He directed “Eurydice” at Pit and Balcony Theatre in Saginaw, where he also served as production manager for the past year’s season. At MCFTA he directed “In Fields Where They Lay,” and served as co-director for “Much Ado About Nothing,” assistant director for “Wait Until Dark” and stage manager for “Santaland Diaries.”

“Frankenstein” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. August 4 through 6 in MCFTA’s Little Theatre. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students. Mcfta.org for more information.